Bird flu – Latest situation: Chief Vet orders bird keepers to house their birds
All bird keepers must house their birds from Monday 7 November until further notice to keep their birds safe from avian influenza.
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and bird keepers are to be introduced in England from 00:01 on Monday 7th November, following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds and on commercial premises.
This means that all bird keepers must house their birds indoors and implement strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian influenza, regardless of whatever type or size. Introducing these steps on farm is the most effective way in reducing the risk of disease spreading.
The new housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity measures that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in October 2022. The AIPZ means that all bird keepers need to take extra precautions, such as restricting access for non-essential people on site, ensuring workers change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 200 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021.
These measures will remain in place until further notice, and will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.